American import loving rugby shift

Researching war, genocide and human rights took Jett Hayward to Africa, but furthering her rugby knowledge brought her to Nelson.

She took up rugby while studying international relations at Stanford University in her home state of California.

“I was a prop and was told to put on more weight, or switch to hooker instead,” recalls Jett.

She opted for the second option and represented the USA at the 2021 Rugby World Cup.

“I love the physicality, the contact,” she declares. After studying her best rugby options in New Zealand, Jett moved to Nelson last April and played for Motueka’s Kahurangi, and then the Tasman Mako women’s side. She was named Mako rookie of the year and came to the attention of Matatū coach Whitney Hansen.

“Jett is an awesome human being, kind and special. It has been great having her in our environment and her rugby has really lifted as well,” enthuses Whitney, ahead of last Saturday’s match against the Blues at Trafalgar Park.

“The Mako accolade was a surprise, and then to get a Matatū contract was unreal. It had been a big goal of mine,” says Jett.

The 27-year-old came off the bench in Matatū’s wins against the Chiefs Manawa and Wellington Poua, but rotation saw her left out of the squad at the weekend.
Whitney confirms it was a really hard decision to leave her out of the 23, especially with it being Matatū’s first ever home game in Nelson.

Playing back up to Matatū’s Black Ferns hooker, Georgia Ponsonby, has taught her a lot.

“She is one of the best hookers in the world,” insists Jett, who is hard to miss around the field with her afro hairstyle.

“My father is African American, and we have traced his family roots back to Nigeria, the Congo and all over,” reveals the Nelson dental assistant.

She agrees a dental assistant is a bit different to what you might expect from a Stanford graduate.

“Dental Care Nelson has been really supportive and flexible when it comes to my rugby commitments,” maintains the former chief of staff at Stanford Impacts Labs.

She acknowledges coming to play in New Zealand could help her world cup selection chances later this year.

“It is in the back of my mind. If it happens it would be amazing.”

If not, she plans to head back to California to see her family and partner. But she plans to return to Nelson next season. “I love it here,” she concludes.

The Mako also has another “converted” player in the Matatū squad, 20-year-old Fiaali’I Solomona. She played wing and admits it was a shock when Whitney Hansen signed her as a No.8.

“The switch was worth it though, and they are now trying to grow me into a No.6 as well,” says the rangy loose forward, who moved to New Zealand from Vaiala in Samoa, with her family in 2014.

“I have still got the pace, a bit of a step and can bring out a kicking game.
Her other specialty is running off the back off scrums or lineouts.

“We knew she had a skill set that was really suited to No.8. Li’I provides a real one-two punch coming on to replace Kaipo Olsen-Baker and finish off games,” explains Whitney.

Li’I plans to go to Police College in Wellington next year, and laughs that her aggressive tackling could come in handy.